Ungriano, Vea Angeline L.

BAMM12S1

Cite similarities and differences on the power of the three branches of the government (executive,
legislative, and judiciary) under 1898 and 1935 Constitution

The 1898 Constitution established a revolutionary government with a President holding

considerable powers, a unicameral legislative assembly known as the Malolos Congress, and a
judiciary with vaguely defined powers vested in the Supreme Court. In contrast, the 1935
Constitution established a presidential system with a President possessing broad powers, a
bicameral Congress consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and an independent
judiciary with the power of judicial review vested in the Supreme Court. The 1935 Constitution
introduced more detailed provisions and institutional arrangements for the three branches of
government compared to the 1898 Constitution, reflecting the evolution of the Philippine political
system during that period.

Similarities:

 Both constitutions established three separate branches of government: executive,

legislative, and judiciary.
 Both recognized the importance of checks and balances in the exercise of governmental
powers.

Differences:

 The 1898 Constitution established a unicameral legislative body, while the 1935
Constitution established a bicameral Congress.
 The powers of the President and the organization of the executive branch differed between
the two constitutions, with the 1935 Constitution providing more detailed provisions and
checks on executive power.
 The 1935 Constitution provided more explicit protections for the independence of the
judiciary and the power of judicial review compared to the 1898 Constitution.

I concluded that the 1935 Constitution introduced more detailed provisions and institutional
arrangements for the three branches of government compared to the 1898 Constitution, reflecting
the evolution of the Philippine political system during that period